Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Xiamen is a coastal city in Fujian Province, China, located on the Taiwan Strait. As a prominent seaport and Special Economic Zone, the city maintains established links with Southeast Asia and Greater China. The transport infrastructure supports high volumes of international and domestic travellers through efficient air services.

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport is the city's primary commercial entry point. Located on Xiamen Island, the facility ranks among the busier hubs in southeastern China. It facilitates regional flights to various domestic locations and international routes across East and Southeast Asia. The airport features modern terminals designed to manage arrivals and departures.

  • The Xiamen Airport is located around 10 km from the central island.
  • It offers 24/7 services with several flights scheduled regularly.
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Xiamen Airport Guide (XMN)

Terminal Information

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport operates two passenger terminals, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, with air traffic divided by airline. Terminal 3 serves as the primary gateway for international travel and regional flights to Xiamen, Macau, and Taiwan. In addition to these cross-border routes, the terminal handles domestic operations. The facility includes dedicated immigration and customs areas, as well as standard passenger processing and security checkpoints to manage the flow of travellers.

Terminal 4 is a modern facility that handles domestic flights for most major carriers. The terminal is equipped with advanced baggage handling systems and spacious waiting areas to support high-frequency domestic travel. It features clear signage and an organised layout to assist guests with boarding procedures. A complimentary shuttle service is available for travellers transferring between the two terminals; the journey takes approximately 10 minutes.

Airport facilities

Complimentary Wi-Fi is accessible throughout both terminals
Travellers can find banking services, automated teller machines (ATMs), and currency exchange counters in the arrivals and departures halls
Airline lounges are available for eligible travellers seeking a quiet space. Information desks are situated at prominent locations to assist guests with enquiries regarding flights or airport navigation
Various restaurants, cafés, and food courts serve both local Fujianese specialities and international cuisine
Retail outlets are located throughout the airport, while duty-free shopping is available to departing passengers on global or regional flights from Terminal 3
Luggage wrapping and storage facilities are available for those who wish to secure their belongings
The airport also maintains medical stations and first-aid facilities for health-related assistance
The airport provides dedicated services for travellers with reduced mobility
For those travelling with infants, baby care rooms are available within the terminal buildings

Things to do

Travellers passing through the airport can find several ways to spend their time productively or rest between flights. The terminals provide a range of services to support the needs of domestic and international guests.

  • Relax in airport lounges: Guests may access lounges offering comfortable seating and a quiet environment. These spaces provide refreshments and are particularly useful for those managing long layovers or flight delays.
  • Shop for local and international goods: Retail outlets across the terminals sell electronics, travel accessories, and regional Fujianese specialities. In Terminal 3, international travellers can visit duty-free shops for a selection of cosmetics and global brands.
  • Explore dining options: Several restaurants and food courts offer a variety of dishes, from traditional Chinese cuisine to international options. These establishments accommodate diverse dietary requirements and offer dining options before a flight.
  • Stay connected: The airport offers complimentary Wi-Fi and designated seating areas. These facilities allow travellers to handle work tasks, communicate with others, or browse the internet while waiting to board.
  • Utilise passenger assistance: Information counters and customer service desks are situated throughout the terminals. Staff at these points assist guests with directions, provide updates on flight schedules, and answer general enquiries regarding airport operations.

Visa and Immigration

Guests are advised to review the current entry requirements before travelling to Xiamen, as specific regulations apply by nationality and purpose of visit. Indian nationals planning to visit Xiamen must hold a valid Chinese visa before departure. Visas are issued based on the nature of the travel, such as tourism (L visa), business (M visa), or transit (G visa). Applications must be submitted through designated Chinese Visa Application Service Centres. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and have at least two blank pages for official stamps. Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport offers a 24-hour direct transit exemption for most travellers transiting through the airport. Indian guests transiting through Xiamen to a third country for more than 24 hours must obtain a transit visa in advance.

Hotels near Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Guests requiring proximity to the terminals have several accommodation options nearby. These hotels offer a range of services for guests with early departures or transit needs.

  • Hisilk Artwork Centre Fliport Coso Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Xiamen Airport Zone
  • Jinjiang Inn Select (Xiamen Airport)
  • Courtyard by Marriott Xiamen
  • Xiamen Discovery Hotel
  • Fliport Garden Hotel Xiamen
  • Ji Hotel (Xiamen Airport Store)
  • Xianglu Grand Hotel

FAQs about Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport

Q: How far is Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport from the city centre?

A: The airport is situated approximately 10 km from the central districts of Xiamen Island. A journey to the city centre typically takes 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Q: Are there international flights departing from Xiamen?

A: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport serves as a major aviation hub in East Asia. It operates numerous international flights to destinations across Southeast and East Asia, as well as long-haul routes to Europe, North America, and Oceania.

Q: What documents are needed for Indian nationals for travel to Xiamen?

A: Indian guests require a valid Chinese visa obtained before arrival. Passports must be valid for at least six months from the entry date and contain sufficient blank pages for official stamps.

Q: What facilities are available at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport?

A: The airport provides various services, including duty-free shops, dining establishments, currency exchange counters, and ATMs. There are also several airport lounges and complimentary Wi-Fi for all guests.

Q: What transport services link the airport to the city?

A: Travellers can access the city via taxis, airport shuttle buses, and public bus routes. Taxis are a frequent choice for direct transport to hotels and business districts. Additionally, the Xiamen BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) and the Metro Line 1 (accessible via a short shuttle from the terminal) provide efficient links to the city.

Q: Is free Wi-Fi available at Xiamen Airport?

A: Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal buildings. Guests can access the network through standard verification procedures, which often require a mobile phone number to receive a code.

Q: Are there dining facilities at the airport?

A: The airport features a variety of restaurants and cafés serving local Fujianese dishes, broader Chinese cuisine, and international options.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Xiamen?

A: The period from October to April is generally recommended, as the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months can be quite warm and humid, with a higher likelihood of rainfall.

Q: What is the currency in Xiamen, and where can it be exchanged?

A: The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (Renminbi), denoted as CNY. Currency exchange counters and ATMs are available within the airport terminals for guests needing to obtain local currency upon arrival.

Q: Which language do people mostly speak in Xiamen?

A: Mandarin Chinese is the official language used in hotels, the airport, and government offices. The local dialect, Minnan (Hokkien), is also widely spoken by residents. English is commonly understood in major tourism areas and international hotels.